Read Online Wings of a Dove by Elaine Barbieri - Free Book Online

also reflect on the other children, and the good people here may refuse to accept another group such as this because of your adverse behavior."
        Allie pulled back more strongly, her frozen throat still refusing to allow words to pass, and Mr. Crosley whispered harshly, "I tell you now, girl. Persist in this contrary behavior and you will suffer the consequences. I do not intend to allow you to upset my plans… my dear wife's plans. You will come with us."
        "No."
        That single word escaping her throat, Allie attempted to withdraw her hand from Mr. Crosley's crushing grip without drawing the attention of those around her. She did not want to spoil things for the other children, but she would not go with this man.
        A low hiss escaped Mr. Crosley's fine lips as he took a step closer, drawing her hand firmly against his side. "I am a very influential man in this community. I am sure you are not too young or too foolish to realize how I might affect your future and the future of your group if you persist in this behavior. You will come now, without further protest, and you will"
        "No, she won't."
        Allie turned just as a heavy hand came down on Mr. Crosley's , breaking his grip on her wrist.
        Delaney!
        Allie stepped back. A hot flush covered Delaney's stiff features, contrasting vividly with the ice in his gaze. He took her hand and held it tight in his.
        "Allie doesn't want to go with you. She has the right to refuse your offer."
        Mr. Crosley's face became mottled with anger, and Allie backed up firmly against Delaney for support. Trembling, she remained silent as the banker hissed low in his throat, "But she does want to come with us, don't you, dear? Tell this fellow. Tell him!"
        Delaney's color heightened as he turned toward Allie. "Yes, tell me what you want to do, Allie."
        Her eyes darting to Mr. Crosley's livid face, Allie struggled to speak.
        Realizing her difficulty, Delaney spoke again, his voice unexpectedly soft. "Allie, do you want to go with him?"
        "I… I want to stay with you."
        A low choking sound issuing from his throat, Mr. Crosley pulled himself sharply erect. Turning a brief, scorching glance in her direction, he took his silent wife's arm and ushered her stiffly toward the door without speaking another word.
        Her eyes remaining fixed on the doorway long moments after the Crosleys ' departure, Allie finally turned back toward Delaney. The hot color of a few minutes before had all but drained from his face, but he appeared even angrier than before.
        "A smart girl like you should know you can't let people push you around, no matter how much they threaten. You're going to have to learn to speak up for yourself. I won't always be around to do it for you."
        Confused, Allie shook her head. "Are you mad at me, Delaney?"
        Delaney's stance remained stiff. His frown darkened as his eyes flicked over her face.
        "No, I'm mad at myself for bothering with something that's none of my business." He paused, then continued harshly, "If you think the Lady is going to protect you, you're wrong. She's nothing more than an image carved on a piece of silver. She can't do anything for you that you won't do for yourself. If I hadn't interfered, that low-down bugger would have been dragging you out the door right now!"
        Allie nodded. "I know."
        Obviously surprised by her response, Delaney remained silent as she continued. "The Lady is nothing more than an image carved on a piece of silverunless you trust her. I trust her, and she helped me."
        

        " She helped you?"
        "That's right. I prayed to the Lady, and just like Mama said, she sent my prayers into God's ear. And then God sent me a friend. He sent me you."
        At her soft statement, Delaney's lean frame went suddenly stiff. His lips parted as if to speak but no sound came forth.